Tom Larson

Lanny Lee Larason, known professionally as Tom Larson, is a retired Boston sportscaster and television host. He is currently 81–82 years old.[1]

This article is about the sports commentator. For the Wisconsin politician, see Tom Larson (politician).

Early years

Larason grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri, where one of his friends was another future sportscaster, Skip Caray.[1] He began his broadcasting career in 1960 as a junior at Westminster College. After college, Larason worked in Bloomington, Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, and Lansing, Michigan.[2]

Career in Boston

In 1969, he was hired by WSBK-TV general manager Bill Flynn, who was looking for someone with a background in sports who could also host a public affairs talk show. Upon moving to Boston, Larason adopted the name "Tom Larson".[1] During his tenure at WSBK, Larson hosted a daily talk show, hosted the post-game shows for the Boston Bruins and the Boston Red Sox, and served as the station's public affairs director.[2] In 1985, Larson was replaced on Bruins games by Sean McDonough.[3]

From 1981 to 1988, Tom was also the sports director at WHDH radio, doing sports reports during Jess Cain's morning show.[2] In 1983, he was recognized as the best TV sportscaster in Boston, by Boston magazine.[4]

In 1986, Larson joined the New England Sports Network, where he served as the studio host for Red Sox and Bruins games, wrote, produced, and reported for Front Row and a number of special presentations, and was a play-by-play announcer for college and high school sports.[2][5]

Larson retired from broadcasting in 2007, and as of 2011 resides in Norwell, Massachusetts.[1] In 1981, Larson had promised to shave his beard if the Bruins won the Stanley Cup; he shaved his beard 30 years later, after the Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.[6][1]

References
  1. Fahey, Rich (June 23, 2011). "30 years later, his beard — and Bruins' heartache — are history". The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  2. "Tom Larson". NESN. Boston.com. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  3. Craig, Jack (August 16, 1985). "Lobel hits jackpot". The Boston Globe.
  4. "Tom Larson, Channel 38". bostonmagazine.com. 1983. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  5. Craig, Jackson (October 7, 1986). "Sox Shows Get Early Start". The Boston Globe.
  6. "Sticking to his promise". The Boston Globe. May 13, 1990.

Further reading
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